“I accept.” As Leon spoke, Flora jumped up to hug him.
His journey back from rock bottom was complete.
Twelve Months Later
“Hey, Dr. Sinclair.” Flora had been standing at the sink, but she turned her head to smile at Leon as he entered the kitchen.
“Back at you, Dr. Sinclair.” Leon wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. They stood in silence for a moment looking out at the yard before he spoke again. “Um...what happened to your flowers? Did the rabbits get into the rose garden?”
“No, Scape did. He paid us a visit and ate all the flowers.”
“That’s one nomadic goat.” Leon shook his head. “I hope Tiny chased him?”
“Tiny hid in the shed. Bungee hissed at Scape and gave him a scare. The twins and I managed to drive him into the paddock and keep him there until Eve came to collect him.” Flora laughed at the memory. “She said this isn’t the farthest he’s wandered. A few weeks ago, he made it all the way out to Toby Murray’s ranch.”
Leon whistled. “That’s on the road out to Park County. Scape sure gets around.”
“From what Eve said, Toby wasn’t amused. Apparently, he’s a perfectionist when it comes to his stables. When he caught sight of Scape cavorting around his spotless yard kicking up straw and goat droppings as he tried to head-butt one of the prize stallions...well, let’s just say Eve isn’t Toby’s favorite person. By the way...” She turned, looping her arms around his neck. “I told Eve our news. I hope you don’t mind?”
Leon dropped a kiss onto the end of her nose. “Why would I mind you sharing something so wonderful? Besides, I’m pretty sure the boys have already told everyone at the daycare center that they’re getting a new sister.”
“It’s such a relief to know they love it there now. After everything that happened—” She broke off as he pressed a finger to her lips.
“The not-safe lady who trapped Stevie’s arm and left them in the woods has gone away. That was all they ever needed to know.”
“I honestly think they’ve forgotten all about it. And now that Tegan is running the daycare center, they bounce over the doorstep each day like they own the place.” Flora frowned. “Actually, they sometimes need a reminder that they don’t own the place.”
“On the subject of Stevie and Frankie...” Leon tilted his head to one side in listening mode. “It’s way too calm around here.”
“Beth invited them over to play with Lia. Katerina’s there, too. Beth will bring them back later.”
He drew her closer. “So we get to enjoy an hour or two of peace and quiet?”
She smiled. “Did you have something specific in mind?”
Before he could answer, there was a crash from the direction of the family room. It was followed by a feline screech. A few seconds later, Tiny charged through the kitchen with his ears flat to his head and his tail between his legs. He looked like a dog who was being pursued by vengeful demons. Close on his heels, spitting with fury, came Bungee. They dashed through the open door and into the garden.
Flora turned back to Leon. “About that peace and quiet you mentioned?”
He laughed. “It’s over-rated. Before I met you and the boys, my life was a straight, narrow road. I thought that was what I needed, that I had to be able to see exactly what was ahead of me. It was dull as all hell. Now, it has unexpected twists and turns, and I never know what’s around the next corner. I love it, and I couldn’t be happier.”
He scooped her up into his arms and carried her into the hall.
“I’m glad you said how much you love the twists and turns,” Flora said, as he stepped onto the first stair. “Because I forgot to mention that the twins found your comic book collection this morning...”
Don’t miss the previous books in Jane Godman’s Sons of Stillwater series:
Secret Baby, Second Chance
The Soldier’s Seduction
Covert Kisses
Keep reading for an excerpt from Guarding His Midnight Witness by Anna J. Stewart.
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Guarding His Midnight Witness
by Anna J. Stewart
Chapter 1
“Welcome back, Detective.”
Jack McTavish dropped out of his SUV and tried not to cringe at Deputy Scott Bowman’s guarded tone. He’d heard the same inflection from countless others during his long weeks of convalescence. So he’d been shot eight months ago. So one of the bullets had missed his heart by mere millimeters. And okay, yeah, he’d flatlined twice during surgery and once more in recovery. In the days that followed, he’d come roaring back by challenging his surgeon more than any other patient of his, ever, no doubt leaving him questioning his career choice. But none of that, at least in Jack’s opinion, gave his fellow officers and detectives permission to eye him as if he had just returned from the dead.
He wasn’t dead. Not by a long shot. But apparently he still had to prove it.
“Thanks, Bowie. It’s good to be back.” Jack reached into his car for his double-shot espresso and checked to make sure he’d clipped his badge to his waistband before verifying his sidearm was secure. He resisted the now familiar urge to scrub uneasy fingers over the still throbbing scars across his chest and side. Psychosomatic, according to his physician sister, Ashley. Ghost pain. Easy for her to say. He was completely healed, but knowing that in his head didn’t prevent the occasional panic attack and nightmares that continued to plague him. When he actually slept.
“So, what are we dealing with?” Jack fell into step beside the deputy as they headed down the dimly lit street. His LT hadn’t been very
